Market vendors in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro have been holding protests demanding transparency over a stalled P193-million-peso public market project, one year after construction was meant to begin.

The two-storey market is a joint venture between Amethyst Horizon Builders and General Contractor and Development Corporation — owned by the Discaya family — and local firm Kejamarenik Construction and Construction Supplies.

Despite the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) issuing a notice to proceed on March 22, 2024, no construction has started more than a year later, reports said.

The project has become mired in controversy after the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) stripped Amethyst Horizon Builders of its license following alleged links to corruption in flood control projects.

“We no longer trust them because we know it’s substandard. You know the Discaya’s history. Our appeal to DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon: please notice us, P200 million for just posts and beams,” said vendor Andrea Itucas.

Another vendor, Rosita Pulgar, said: “We are not opposing the construction of a new market because it is really needed, but we have many doubts. We want to see the detailed plan.”

Vendors have also challenged the proposed temporary relocation site in Barangay Labangan, citing flood risks and inadequate space that could threaten their livelihoods during the extended construction period.

The vendors also allege they were not consulted during project planning and claim the municipal council had not approved it when the notice to proceed was issued in 2024.

San Jose Mayor Rey Ladaga said the project faced “many legal questions” and resistance from the municipal council, while vendors refused to vacate the site.

He said the council only passed a resolution approving the project in 2025 (after his election) calling it an “affirmation” of the new council’s support, despite the 2024 notice to proceed.

“In my view, we’re in good faith, the other side of the joint venture is in good faith. Are you really going to cancel their license?” Ladaga said.

Merle Reyes of Kejamarenik Construction said work cannot begin until vendors vacate: “We need to do pile driving, there are people there. The area needs to be cleared and closed so we can start, but they refuse to leave the market.”

Both Kejamarenik and Ladaga insisted the project is not a “ghost project,” saying only 15 percent of the budget — used for mobilization and producing 756 concrete foundation piles — has been spent.

“The 15 percent we received was used to make piles. The funds are still with the DPWH in Region 4B,” Reyes said.

Ladaga added: “I don’t know where the corruption is. No money has been touched yet, we haven’t handled any money.”

Both Kejamarenik and Ladaga said they have written to DPWH seeking clarification but have received no response.

Ladaga said construction would begin once vendors relocate to a temporary market, with a two-year target for completion.

The Discaya family’s construction companies have faced scrutiny over alleged involvement in corruption scandals.

The PCAB’s revocation of Amethyst Horizon Builders’ license (one of nine companies reportedly linked to the family) has intensified doubts about the viability of projects involving their firms.

Infrastructure projects funded by national government agencies like DPWH require local government consultation and approval under the Local Government Code of 1991, particularly for projects with social and environmental impacts.

photos: lifted from Totoong Balita sa Southern Tagalog (TBST)